Thai-Cambodian railway soon to be constructed

SA KEO, 26 July 2014 -- Thai representatives have joined in a foundation stone laying ceremony held in Cambodia, setting the wheels in motion for the construction of railway linking the two countries together.

The Klong Luek - Poypethe railway, now under construction, will link Cambodia's Bantey Meanchey province to Thailand's Sa Keo, 176 kilometers away. When completed, the new line is expected to boost growth in tourism and trade between the two countries. It is hoped to enable Sakeo and Bantey Mienchey to be logistics hubs when ASEAN Economy Community kicks off next year.

The Klongleuk-Poypet line is indicative of a long history of close ties between Thailand and Cambodia. It was first constructed in 1926 to transport goods from Thailand to the neighboring country. It was abandoned forty years ago during the battle between Khmere Rouge and the then Cambodia government.